This ridiculously-good baked cheese dip is one of test kitchen chef Karen Rankin’s all-time favorite dishes to bring to parties and tailgates. It’s the ultimate oozy-gooey cheese appetizer. As Rankin puts it, the way Swiss cheese, savory bacon, and sweet caramelized onions play together is nothing short of divine. Cream cheese and mayo contribute a necessary touch of creaminess, while scallions and fresh thyme offer a added savory flavor intrigue, and a finishing touch of crispy onions on top delivers a pleasant crunch. Serve with pretzel rods, or other dippers of your choosing, and plan on handing the recipe over to anyone who tries it. Trust us, they’re gonna ask.

Ingredients

8 thick-cut bacon slices

4 cups thinly sliced yellow onion (from 1 large onion)

3 (5-oz.) pkg. pre-shredded Swiss cheese

12 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup thinly sliced scallions

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon lightly chopped fresh thyme, plus more for garnish

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Cooking spray

1/2 cup crispy fried onions (such as French’s)

Assorted crackers, pretzel dipping sticks, or pretzel chips

How to Make It

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high, turning occasionally to cook evenly, until crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Reserve 3 tablespoons drippings in skillet; discard remaining drippings. Add onions to reserved drippings, and cook over medium-high, stirring often, until onions are very tender and caramelized, 15 to 18 minutes.